EPA: U.S. beaches becoming safer

WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- EPA officials say U.S. beaches have become more enjoyable places, thanks to improved water monitoring by state and local officials.

The latest Environmental Protection Agency data shows only four percent of beach days were lost during 2004 due to advisories or closures triggered by monitoring for bacteria. The data showed more than 2,700 closings lasted two days or less, with only 59 closings lasting more than 30 days.

The number of beaches monitored has more than tripled -- 3,574 last year, compared with 1,021 in 1997 -- the first year EPA began collecting beach-monitoring program data, said Benjamin Grumbles, EPA's Assistant Administrator for Water.

He said for the past five years EPA has provided nearly $42 million in grants to 35 coastal and Great Lakes states. The grants are used to improve water monitoring and fund public-information programs that alert beach-goers about the health of their beaches.

"The small percentage of beach days lost in 2004 is encouraging," said Grumbles. "Reducing exposure to disease-causing bacteria in beach water will help protect all Americans ... finding the sources of pollution will help keep beachgoers safe at their favorite recreational spots.